Thornton, Illinois - Widow McCleary's Pub

One of the haunted places I visited and wrote about in my book, Ghosthunting Illinois, was Widow McCleary’s Pub in Thornton. There, several members of the staff have seen billiard balls move in impossible directions on the floor, as they are played with by a little girl ghost. It is also possible that the ghosts of some of Al Capone’s victims may be roaming the pub. Has anyone had the chance to visit McCleary’s? Has anyone seen a ghost there?

One of the haunted places I visited and wrote about in my book, Ghosthunting Illinois, was Widow McCleary’s Pub in Thornton. There, several members of the staff have seen billiard balls move in impossible directions on the floor, as they are played with by a little girl ghost. It is also possible that the ghosts of some of Al Capone’s victims may be roaming the pub. Has anyone had the chance to visit McCleary’s? Has anyone seen a ghost there?

John Kachuba

Found a little write up on the place. My husband and I should be traveling south soon. If McCleary's isn't too far off route, perhaps we will check it out. If there is any thing there, and I have a camera in my hand, it will manifest.http://www.nwherald....87879430632.php

One of the haunted places I visited and wrote about in my book, Ghosthunting Illinois, was Widow McCleary’s Pub in Thornton. There, several members of the staff have seen billiard balls move in impossible directions on the floor, as they are played with by a little girl ghost. It is also possible that the ghosts of some of Al Capone’s victims may be roaming the pub. Has anyone had the chance to visit McCleary’s? Has anyone seen a ghost there?

No. I do not believe so. I can't "make" any thing do any thing, and neither can you. About the best way I can reason my experience is that there is a connection between me and the spirit world via the camera. The camera is my medium, and if there is any sort of camera in my hand, and spirit energy is present, it will show up in my shots. Another words, I am what might be refered to as a pyschic photographer. When a encounter occurs it seems to be a interaction more so on the part of the energy than by my will. I don't know how or why this phenomena occurs through me. I simply accept that it does.

No doubt I expect arguement by you or others against my claim, for which I am willing to respond as best as I can to questions; but I am not very interested in debate or convincing or proving, so I won't indulge a agruement. It does sound incredible, and I don't understand it my self. It simply is.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Widow McCleary's Pub. The staff was very helpful in our ghost hunting endevor. Altho our group (International Society of Paranormal Investigators) didn't witness any movement of objects, several members got good photo's, both inside and out. Well worth the trip. (they have good food to!!)

I'm a new member and I came across this message board today. I know it's not so new, but I got excited when I read through it. I grew up in a town near to the pub and I remember stories of a body being found in the back, in the warehouse area, that was rumored to have been that of a victim of Al Capone & his gang back in the days when the building was a brewery that had been shut down during exhibition days, and never reopened until the 1980's. I have never heard of a little girl in the pub nor am I aware of any reason for there to be such a spirit there. I can say though that that entire area is haunted. I have friends and family from all of the towns surrounding Thornton and every one has had ghostly experiences. Maybe it's because of the towns being built on Indian Burial Grounds, maybe it's because the quarry blastings have made it difficult for the spirits to rest. It's hard to say, but there is definitely loads of paranormal activity in those southern suburbs of Chicago! It would be interesting to see more messages from others who have lived near there detailing their experiences - I'm sure this board would be up and jumping if every one wrote in who has an experience from out there!